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Ford Focus ZX3 / SVT vs. Honda Civic Si / RSX - READ ONLY

232 messages,  Last post on Aug 15, 2009 at 8:47 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Acura RSX, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 23 of 24

#213 of 232 Focus vs. RSX, maybe Si by spy_hunter

May 25, 2004 (1:53 pm)

Blueiedgod, I like your suggestion about the base RSX. I really don't need 200 hp, and the torque is about the same (and more accessible) in the base than the -s.
 
And Muffin_man, I do appreciate your fondness for the Si. I really like driving my girlfriend's car. I don't HATE the styling, but I just like the Focus' shapely rounded figure better.
 
I just did some checking on the NHTSA website:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars.cfm
The RSX did somewhat better in frontal crash testing than the Focus, 5 stars compared to 4.
 
Looking at the raw data, (bottom of screen) the head injury criterion (HIC) for the Focus driver is 403 and 274 for the RSX. The femoral load on the Focus driver is 900-1000 lbs., and only 110-130 on the RSX. This translates into slightly reduced risk of head injury and femoral fracture for the RSX driver, although looking at the injury curves (see this link:)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Info.html#iq8
The risk in either car is actually pretty small.

#214 of 232 don't get too excited about 5 stars by explorerx4

May 26, 2004 (7:26 pm)

6. Can I compare vehicles from different classes?
 
Depending on the weight of a vehicle, it can be compared to other vehicles in its class. Since a frontal crash test into a fixed barrier is similar to a crash between two vehicles of the same weight, ===>> the frontal crash test results can only be compared to other vehicles in the same weight class and those plus or minus 250 lbs. <<===
 
Side crash test results can be compared across all classes because all vehicles are hit with the same barrier and at the same force.
 
Rollover Resistance Ratings can also be compared across all classes.

#215 of 232 It's not the stars--it's the numbers. by spy_hunter

May 27, 2004 (6:02 am)

Explorerx4:
 
According to the NHTSA, the RSX, Focus and Si are all "compact passenger cars." Their respective weights are 2708, 2630, and 2502 lbs. Therefore, they satisfy both of the above criteria, and I'm unsure what your point was in posting them.
 
I agree that the star rating doesn't give a complete picture--that's why I think it's important to look at the actual numbers, which show significant differences between these cars.

#216 of 232 spy... by explorerx4

May 27, 2004 (7:14 pm)

the stars only relate to vehicles in the same class. in other words a 5 star 'xyx', could get one star against a much larger 'abc', as opposed to another 'xyz'. if the difference between the vehicles is greater than 250 lbs, forget the stars.

#217 of 232 Looks and wheels by color

Apr 29, 2005 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: explorerx4 (May 27, 2004 7:14 pm)
The focus interior is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. Sorry, I had to get this out of my system. Even the new redesigned 2005 focus interior cant compete with the 2002 Si interior.
 
Ford tries to create trends while Honda is consistent and presents timeless designs.
 
Oh and who cares about 17" wheels when they are ugly as hell. Id prefer saving up a little buying a nice set lightweight ROTAs.

#218 of 232 What I think.... by badodyssey

May 06, 2005 (5:49 am)

Honda dropped the ball a bit on the new Si, but I purchased one anyway because I've driven them and REALIZED what I was getting...a practical, fun to drive, RELIABLE car with great resale and a ton of potential.
 
overall, you want a better performance car out of the box that looks a tad better (barely on both) you buy the Focus...as long as you can wrench!
 
You want great reliability, bulletproof long term enjoyment, and a car that will cost less to own and will be worth ALOT more in the long run...but a civic. oh, but you will need to change the oil from time to time
 
oh, and as far as looks? I slapped a set of lightweight 17" speedy race modes on the car, dropped it about 1.5" and now have a GREAT looking and great running vehicle! I added a supercharger and now it's just fantastic...and will still be running 10 years from now.

#219 of 232 Re: What I think.... [badodyssey] by john500

May 06, 2005 (7:13 am)

Replying to: badodyssey (May 06, 2005 5:49 am)
Same logic I used when I bought an 03 SI. I liked the 03 Ford Focus SVT and seriously considered getting one. However, at the same price, I went with the Honda for a better statistical chance of not having to replace parts every week in another year. I'd like to see a Honda engine on one of these (my next vehicle- if I can get some reasonably priced land)
 
http://www.airscooter.com/

#220 of 232 badodyssey by nitromax

Jul 11, 2005 (10:58 am)

I added a supercharger and now it's just fantastic...and will still be running 10 years from now.
 
You added a blower and expect it to last 10 years?
 
LOL
 
Good luck with that

#221 of 232 car shopping by acer2

Nov 27, 2005 (10:30 pm)

Intresting forum, anyway im thinking about getting a used svt focus. Im really just looking for a cheap performance car that i can have a little fun in, as in from 0-60 and throwing it into tight corners. Can anybody give me some advise because if not i might just go with a use 2002 ford taurus, with the optional 24V V6 of course.
 
thanks.

#222 of 232 Re: car shopping [acer2] by Sylvia

Nov 28, 2005 (8:14 am)

Replying to: acer2 (Nov 27, 2005 10:30 pm)
The SVT Focus would be a heck of a lot sportier than the Taurus. The Taurus won't corner that well . Plus, you'll have more options available to you on performance and appearance mods on the SVT than on the Taurus.

Messages Page 23 of 24

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